Maker Notes
Research and development (but with cider!)
Why notes?
Taste, of course, is a highly subjective thing. But cider making is an art and a science. Cider apples have unique flavor characteristics - which for nerds like us - are worth noting, helping expand our appreciation and enjoyment of each cultivar. Tasting notes can also identify how apples respond to growing conditions – helping us make better, more delicious choices in how and where to grow varietals. This library details nearly every cider we’ve made since 2019, using a common “spider chart” format ranking 18 criteria ranging from basics like sweetness, tartness and astringency to how each cider recalls other fruit and spice categories. Members of our Core Club receive copies of these with each shipment, along with a crib sheet providing background on how we define our criteria - making it easy and fun for fans to compare their experiences with ours.
Use the search tools below to explore the archive, noting batch numbering for each release, wherein the first digit(s) represent product sequence followed by abbreviated year of release. Above all, enjoy cider!
Gold Rush
Reserve Series | Batch B.24
A relatively new American apple (Golden Delicious, Winesap and Siberian Crab parentage), Gold Rush apples exemplify what heirloom fruit can offer. Low on tannins, but with a rich, diverse profile including pear, pineapple, lemon curd and cling peach – topped by a spicy, white pepper finish!
Core Club 2024 Q1 Selection
Stoke Red
Reserve Series | Batch A.24
First discovered in Rodney Stoke, a village three miles from Cheddar UK, this bittersharp apple is favored in traditional blends. Perhaps the most intensely tannic cider we've made, it offers quince, Mandarin orange, citrus rind and apple peel notes, backed with a pronounced oakiness from 18-month barrel aging.
Core Club 2024 Q1 Selection
Franklin Apple
Reserve Series | Batch 9.23
Discovered in 2008 in northern Vermont, the Franklin apple is a rare American “bittersharp,” offering substantial tannins that provide greater body and mouthfeel. Uniquely balanced profile, leaning to Mandarin orange, caramel, date and mace notes. We’re excited by this one - an American Kingston Black?
Core Club 2023 Q4 Selection
Widdershins
Reserve Series | Batch 1.23
Our version of French Pommeau, this wondrous apéritif begins with Manchurian crabapple juice blended with apple brandy (from 2-Loons Distillery) to arrest fermentation and retain sweetness. 24-month barrel-aging softens and harmonizes notes of cinnamon, black cherry and vanilla. A must-try!
General Release | Core Club 2023 Q2 Selection
Splintercat
Reserve series | Batch 1.23
Our latest cyser – a cider/mead hybrid – expresses a dual nature, balancing honey notes with a tart crabapple finish. This example presents floral aromatics with assertive tropical pineapple, meyer lemon and wildflower honey notes.
Core Club 2023 Q1 Selection
Harrison
Reserve series | Batch 8.22
Once thought "lost" but rediscovered in 1989, Harrison apples were considered among America's finest cider varietals. Happily, they seem to love the PNW – and so we're working to include them more often. This example presents a balance of flavor cues, including cling peach, lychee and apricot.
Core Club 2023 Q1 Selection
Raven Oak
Artisan Series | Batch 1.22
A close cousin of our 55 Chain UK-style cider, but aged in fresh whiskey barrels from Spokane's Dry Fly™ distillery. Ripe apple, quince, current and anise notes, with hints of fig and vanilla – backed (of course) by oak and whiskey notes.
General Release
Cidermaker's Blend
Reserve Series | Batch 8.22
Two very different apples – Gold Rush, a new US heirloom, and Dabinett, a traditional UK cider apple – married to create one of the most perry-like ciders we've ever made (without using pears!) Notes include creamy pear, lychee and honeycomb, with notable tannins and a slate-like minerality.
Core Club 2022 Q3 Selection